11. Why standest thou as Flora, the befriending goddess of flowering creepers? Thus accosted, the dame with deer-like eyes and protuberant bosom replied to him.
12. She said to the hermit with a sweet and charming voice in the following manner:—“Mayst thou prosper in obtaining the objects of thy wishes”:—
13. “For any thing which is desirable and difficult of attainment in this world, is surely obtainable when sought after with proper exertion by the great”:—
14. “I am, O Bráhman! a sylvan goddess of this forest, which is so full of creeping plants, and decorated by the beautiful kadamba trees.
15. “Here I strayed to witness the festive mirth of the sylvan goddesses, which always takes place on this thirteenth day of the lunar month of chaitra in this forest.
16. “I saw here my companions enjoying their festival of love, and felt myself sorry to think of my childlessness among them.
17. “Finding thee accomplished in all qualifications, I have resorted hither with my suit of begetting a son by thee.
18. “Please Sir, to procreate a son in me, or else I will put my person in the flames, to get rid of my sorrow of childlessness.”
<19.> Hearing the sylvan dame speaking in this manner, the hermit smiled at her, and spoke kindly to her with presenting her a flower with his own hand, and said:—
20. Depart O damsel! and betake thyself to the worship of Siva for a whole month, and then thou shalt like a tender creeper, beget a boy as beautiful as a bud by this time of the year.